Virginia Commonwealth University

Score: VCU 67, Central Connecticut 43
Location: Richmond, Va. (Siegel Center)
Records: VCU 1-0, CCSU 0-1
 
The short story: VCU, which led Central Connecticut for all but 11 seconds of the contest, outscored the Blue Devils 21-5 in the fourth quarter to pull away for a season-opening win.
 
OPENING TIP:

• It marked head coach Chelsea Banbury's first win at VCU  
• Macy Spencer led VCU with a game-high 22 points in her debut
• Ann Zachariah had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, the first of her career
• Cyriah Griffin had 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-4 at the free throw line
• Ada Toribio had 12 points in her collegiate debut to be the fourth Ram in double figures
• VCU shot 45.3 percent from the floor while holding CCSU to just 32.1 percent shoot and 18.1 percent from 3-point range
• The Rams led 27-12 in points off turnovers and 24-2 in fast break points
• CCSU was led by Jillian Dingler who had 20 points

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• VCU raced out to an 8-2 lead just 2:02 into the game after a Spencer 3-pointer. The Rams held a 20-13 advantage after the first quarter
• The Rams had their lead cut to 20-17 with 8:07 left before halftime but responded with an 8-0 run capped by a pair of Spencer free throws. VCU led 32-22 at the break
• The third quarter was back-and-forth with VCU maintaining its lead and being up 46-38 heading into the final 10 minutes
• VCU dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Blue Devils 21-5 in the frame and ended the game on a 14-2 run to pull away for good

UP NEXT: The Rams host Virginia Tech on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Siegel Center. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and tickets can be purchased at VCUTix.com.